The exhilarating thrill of street racing has been romanticized by box-office hits, TV shows, and even social media. However, the truth is that this risky activity can lead to both fatalities and dire financial repercussions for individuals engaged. It also results in hundreds of street racing injury claims in Texas each year. If you have been the victim of a street racing accident, you should contact a lawyer immediately to discuss your options.
Due to the terrible consequences of street racing accidents, the state legislature has taken action to regulate this activity. Senate Bill 1495 and House Bill 1315 raised the classification of some driving crimes from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor. These rules increased fines and potential jail terms when a reckless motorist causes harm or death to others.
Victims of a negligent driver who was racing are entitled to Texas street racing accident compensation, according to the law.
Available Compensation for Victims of Street Racing Accidents in TexasThe law is very clear when it comes to compensation for victims of street racing:
Medical ExpensesVictims, both motorists and pedestrians, may seek reimbursement for hospital bills, doctors' visits, medication, rehabilitative care, and other medical expenses.
Lost WagesAny victim who missed work to recover from injuries can recover lost income for the days that he or she was unable to work.
Pain and SufferingThis is the most important form of compensation, especially in the case of wrongful death. Although no monetary amount can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, you can seek damages for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the death of a family member.
Insurance Companies and Street Racing AccidentsIn Texas, drivers are required to have a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover the costs of accidents they might cause. These minimums are often referred to as 30/60/25 coverage, a shorthand for:
Insurers may deny coverage for accidents resulting from illegal racing, leaving the at-fault driver responsible for the full costs of the accident. This puts the driver in a precarious financial situation and leaves little recourse for the victims to seek compensation.
This is a scenario when it is a good idea to contact an injury attorney to help you file a claim. Our Texas personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw are familiar with this type of situation and can represent you in a difficult insurance dispute.
Our team of talented attorneys has helped thousands of injured people recover compensation for their injuries across the state of Texas. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, so that you do not worry about paying upfront fees.
How UIM/UM Coverage Can Help in Street Racing AccidentsSadly, street racing often involves stolen vehicles, which further complicates insurance coverage. Stolen cars used in street racing might not be covered by comprehensive insurance since it's a deliberate crime rather than an unexpected event.
In these cases, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM/UM) coverage becomes critical when victims seek compensation after being involved in a street racing accident. UIM/UM coverage can help victims recoup their losses if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, particularly when they lack adequate insurance due to illegal activities.
What Next?There are several legal options for street racing victims. When injured in a street car racing accident, victims can file a lawsuit for negligence, wrongful death, and even seek punitive damages.
Our lawyers are prepared to face any of these situations. Prospective clients often rely on Carabin Shaw's reviews to gauge the firm's reputation and the quality of services provided by its legal team.
Call 800-862-1260 toll-free for a free consultation. Our staff is here to help you around-the-clock. You can speak with a member in Spanish or English about your case.
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